Centre College Top Questions

I think the most important thing you can do for yourself is to focus on your personal aspirations and needs. It is easy to get flustered and nervous during the application process, and therefore easy to look to those around you and accept their influence and suggestions far too easily. Also, don't play it safe, don't take the easy way out. Do something exciting, and take a risk. This opportunity for change is huge - you can choose from so many different kinds of places, so don't rule anything out from the onset. Experiment, explore, and listen to what your gut is telling you. There is a place out there for you, and know that one of them will make you happy. Know that it is ok to not know what you want to do or major in, and in a way it's almost better. You leave more options open for yourself. Go with this openness! And have fun with it.

Visit and spend the night at the place where you want to go. Make sure to eat the food there too, because you'll be eating it for the next few years. Just because one school isn't as well known as another, don't discount its value. And visit home every know and then. You'll miss your parents and family, trust me.

Visit every school, look for a place where you want to live, not just study or party.

First of all, visit schools. For me, my visit to Centre was the deciding factor for me because I felt so at home here. Find a place that is home for you, a place you can really see yourself being happy for years to come. As far as making the most of college, really dive into your campus by being involved, getting to know other students and professors, and taking advantage of all your school has to offer. It may be difficult to adjust at first, but if you don't complain about it and shrink away from everything, pretty soon you'll find yourself referring to your school as "home" and you'll wonder how you ever felt uneasy there.

It is definitely a must to go and visit the campus, preferably on a day when school is in session. That way you get a wonderful feel for the true atmosphere of the school. In choosing a college, go with your gut. Chances are it won't be wrong. If you feel like you can really find a place at a certain shcool, then go for it. There's really nothing to lose. Once at school, it's a good idea to get involved in something. It can be a movie night with people on your hall or something bigger like running for an office position of a club or playing a sport. But it is important to get involved - don't stay in your room, get to know people, and find people that share your interests. The social life is great, but studying HAS to come first. Set up some sort of study plan or time management plan, or even a rewards system for yourself. It can be hard at the time, but being able to spend time with friends later makes it all worth it. Good luck in your search, and ENJOY YOURSELF!!!

When it comes down to, just go with what feels right. When you step on a college campus you'll know if it's right for you. Don't force yourself to like/dislike a place based on what you hear or what your're friends say. Be your own person and make the decision that fits YOU the best. College is a time for you to learn more about who you are and to truly come into your own as an adult so make sure you find a place where you feel comfortable doing that. Always make a visit and try to see more than just the academic side of things. College has a lot of free time and if you're not comfortable with the social scene then you're not going to like being there. So try to visit on a weekend, hit up the frat houses, and watch a football game. Give the ENTIRE school a look before you decide. Don't base a four year decision on a website or a tour of an academic building, get to know the school, the students ,and campus environment before making your decision.

My advice for students and parents is to shop around for schools. Don't make a decision based on one visit, or a visit to one college. Even if the first one you visit seems like the best, visit a few others just to make sure. Even if you stick with the first one, you will have a better understanding of what it is you like about that school, what it has that others don't, and what kind of campus you feel the most comfortable on. And parents, let your student do the talking. Let your student set up the tour times and interviews. This is their choice for their future, and ultimately, they know in their hearts what is best for them. Let them decide, make mistakes, and decide again. Life and college are about trial and error, and learning the hard way. One cannot gain true knowledge and experience without having first screwed up.

If the college allows this, I would suggest highschool junior/seniors should do an over-night stay with a student at that college so that they can attend classes and get a feel for the social life of the campus. As for making the most of the college experience, I would recommend just getting out there and doing what you enjoy most. Join clubs, sports, study groups, greek life, or whatever it is that you enjoy to do because soon you will be friends with kindred spirits.

I would tell parents of prospective students to focus primarily on two things: their child's wish and their capacity to launch that wish into reality. Allow your student to own this decision; the more control he/she has over it, the more likely it is that he/she will be happy. Obviously things don't work out sometimes, and perhaps your student will be one of the unlucky ones who transfers after their freshman year; nevertheless, part of maturing is taking on greater responsibility, and for many high school seniors choosing where they attend college is the first major life decision they can make completely independent of others' influence. Allow them that opportunity! To the student I would say this: simplicity and organization are musts. Analyze your financial aid packages and weigh your options, but in the end go with your gut; chances are you won't regret it. Once you get there, have a bodacious time...but don't allow your fun to be saturated with partying, drinking, and shirking your work. Don't forget that college is first and foremost a continuation of your education; don't lose sight on your purpose for being there.